U.S. patent application number 15/543138 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-11 for disposable razor.
The applicant listed for this patent is RATHBONE RAZORS LTD. Invention is credited to Stuart ABLE, David BRUCE.
Application Number | 20180009122 15/543138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52597518 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180009122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRUCE; David ; et
al. |
January 11, 2018 |
DISPOSABLE RAZOR
Abstract
A razor blade head for shaving, comprising a razor blade
element, a bracket mounted to the razor blade element and a manual
control element configured to enable a user to apply force from a
side of the bracket opposite to the razor blade element, the force
transferred from the manual control element to the razor blade
element via the bracket, wherein the bracket is configured to
define an opening between the manual control element and the razor
blade element.
Inventors: |
BRUCE; David; (Barham, Kent,
GB) ; ABLE; Stuart; (Barham, Kent, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RATHBONE RAZORS LTD |
Barham, Kent |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
52597518 |
Appl. No.: |
15/543138 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
January 12, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2016/050065 |
371 Date: |
July 12, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26B 21/446 20130101;
B23K 26/38 20130101; B26B 21/4012 20130101; B26B 21/225 20130101;
B26B 21/522 20130101; A45D 26/0009 20130101; B26B 21/4062 20130101;
B26B 21/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B26B 21/52 20060101
B26B021/52; B26B 21/44 20060101 B26B021/44; B26B 21/40 20060101
B26B021/40; B26B 21/22 20060101 B26B021/22; B23K 26/38 20140101
B23K026/38; B26B 21/58 20060101 B26B021/58; A45D 26/00 20060101
A45D026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 13, 2015 |
GB |
1500491.4 |
Jul 28, 2015 |
GB |
1513298.8 |
Claims
1.-35. (canceled)
36. A razor blade head, comprising: a razor blade element; a
bracket mounted to the razor blade element; and a manual control
element configured to enable a user to apply force from a side of
the bracket opposite to the razor blade element, the force
transferred from the manual control element to the razor blade
element via the bracket; wherein the bracket is configured to
define an opening between the manual control element and the razor
blade element.
37. The razor blade head of claim 36, wherein the razor blade
element comprises a frame and a blade portion, wherein the frame is
configured to support the blade portion.
38. The razor blade head of any of claim 36 wherein the bracket is
mounted to the frame of the razor blade element.
39. The razor blade head of any of claim 37 wherein the bracket is
mounted to the frame of the razor blade element.
40. The razor blade head of claim 36 wherein the bracket is
connected to the manual control element on a side of the bracket
that is opposite to the razor blade element.
41. The razor blade head of claim 36 wherein the bracket is of a
substantially E-shaped cross section or a substantially M-shaped
cross section.
42. The razor blade head of claim 36 wherein the manual control
element comprises at least one groove for receiving part of a
finger of a user.
43. The razor blade head of claim 42, wherein the manual control
element comprises two grooves for receiving second (index) and
third (middle) fingers of the user, respectively.
44. The razor blade head of claim 36 wherein the manual control
element, the bracket and the razor blade element are formed as a
single piece.
45. The razor blade head of claim 36 wherein the bracket comprises
a clipping mechanism configured to connect the manual control
element and the razor blade element.
46. A razor comprising the razor blade head of claim 36 and further
comprising a handle.
47. The razor of claim 46 wherein the razor blade head is mounted
on the handle at a first end of the handle, the first end
configured to sit between the thumb and fourth (ring) finger of a
user.
48. The razor of claim 47 wherein the handle has a second end,
opposite to the first end, the second end configured to allow the
handle to stand upright on a substantially horizontal surface
wherein the second end of the handle is substantially concave.
49. The razor of claim 46 wherein the handle has a first, concave
surface and a second, convex surface, the first and second surfaces
being between the first and second ends of the handle, such that
the handle has an asymmetrically curved profile.
50. The razor of claim 49 wherein the second, convex surface of the
handle is configured to receive the thumb of the user.
51. The razor of claim 50 wherein the second, convex surface of the
handle has a well configured to receive the thumb of the user.
52. A razor head, comprising: a laser cutting element; a bracket
mounted to the laser cutting element; and a manual control element
configured to enable a user to apply force from a side of the
bracket opposite to the laser cutting element, the force
transferred from the manual control element to the laser cutting
element via the bracket; wherein the bracket is configured to
define an opening between the manual control element and the laser
cutting element.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to personal disposable
razors. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention
relates to an ergonomic razor that has the ability to provide
improved control, improved accuracy, a close shave and reduced
irritation when shaving.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Current disposable razors are generally of a long stick
design with a head attached that houses the razor blades. With
existing designs, the head may be a replaceable, disposable head
that is attached to the stick by a clipping mechanism. The blade
head is located at one end of the stick and the user holds the
stick at the opposite end. This limits the amount of control and
the ability to regulate pressure that can be applied to the blade
head when in contact with the face or neck, reducing the quality of
the shave.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure attempt to mitigate at
least some of the above-mentioned problems.
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is
provided a razor blade head, comprising a razor blade element, a
bracket mounted to the razor blade element and a manual control
element configured to enable a user to apply from a side of the
bracket opposite to the razor blade element, the force transferred
from the manual control element to the razor blade element via the
bracket, wherein the bracket is configured to define an opening
between the manual control element and the razor blade element.
This configuration may allow the user to place his or her fingers
on the manual control element and apply and/or regulate pressure to
the razor blade element via the bracket. This can improve the
closeness and accuracy of the shave.
[0005] The razor blade head allows a user to place his or her
fingers on the manual control element and apply gentle pressure to
the razor blade element via the bracket, thereby improving the
closeness, quality and accuracy of the shave with less
irritation.
[0006] In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure there
is provided a razor head, comprising a laser cutting element, a
bracket mounted to the laser cutting element, and a manual control
element configured to enable a user to apply force from a side of
the bracket opposite to the laser cutting element, the force
transferred from the manual control element to the laser cutting
element via the bracket, wherein the bracket is configured to
define an opening between the manual control element and the laser
cutting element.
[0007] The razor blade element may comprise a frame and a blade
portion. The frame may be configured to support the blade portion.
The razor blade element may comprise at least one razor blade. When
the at least one razor blade is a plurality of razor blades, the
razor blades may be parallel to each other. The at least one razor
blade may be stationary relative to the bracket. The razor blade
construction may be made from any currently used materials, such as
steel, carbon or sapphire.
[0008] The bracket may be mounted to the frame of the razor blade
element. The bracket may be connected to the manual control element
on a side of the bracket that is opposite to the razor blade
element. The bracket may comprise at least one column connected to
the manual control element. The bracket may be of a substantially
E-shaped cross section or a substantially M-shaped cross section.
The bracket may be configured to define an opening large enough to
allow flow of water through the opening and to allow cut hair to be
washed out, thereby preventing clogging. The bracket, razor blade
element and/or the manual control element may comprise a precision
razor blade mounted on a top surface.
[0009] The manual control element may be a pad. The manual control
element may comprise at least one groove for receiving part of a
finger of a user. The manual control element may comprise two
grooves for receiving second (index) and third (middle) fingers of
the user, respectively. The manual control element may be
inflatable. The manual control element may be configured to receive
a fluid. The fluid may be air or water. The manual control element
may comprise holes for dispensing fluid in a direction of the razor
blade element. The manual control element may be configured to
dispense the fluid by the application of pressure to the manual
control element.
[0010] The bracket and the razor blade element may be formed as an
integral piece. Alternatively, the bracket may be mounted to the
razor blade element by an adhesive or a clipping mechanism. The
manual control element and the bracket may be formed as a single
piece. The bracket may comprise a clipping mechanism configured to
connect the manual control element and the razor blade element.
Furthermore, the manual control element, the bracket and the razor
blade head may be formed as a single integrated unit. The manual
control element, the bracket and the razor blade element may be
joined by an adhesive. The razor blade element may comprise at
least one blade comprising sapphire.
[0011] A razor may comprise the razor blade head and a handle. The
razor blade head may be mounted on the handle at a first end of the
handle, the first end configured to sit between the thumb and
fourth (ring) finger of a user. The handle may have a second end,
opposite to the first end, the second end configured to allow the
handle to stand upright on a substantially horizontal surface. The
second end of the handle may be substantially flat. Alternatively,
the second end of the handle may be substantially concave. The
second end of the handle may be configured to receive a fifth
(little) finger of the user. The second end of the handle may
comprise at least one foot configured to support the handle. The at
least one foot may be a suction pad.
[0012] The handle may have a first, concave surface and a second,
convex surface, the first and second surfaces being between the
first and second ends of the handle, such that the handle has an
asymmetrically curved profile. This may allow the placement of
index and middle fingers on the manual control element whilst the
handle sits in the palm of the hand. The second, convex surface of
the handle may be configured to receive the thumb of the user. The
second, convex surface of the handle may have a well configured to
receive the thumb of the user.
[0013] The razor blade head may be mounted on the handle via a neck
portion. The neck portion may be connected to any component of the
razor blade head. The neck portion may be connected to the razor
blade element. The neck portion may be connected to the frame of
the razor blade element. The neck portion may be connected to the
razor blade head by a clipping mechanism. The neck portion may be
connected to the razor blade element by a clipping mechanism. The
manual control element may be configured to allow rotation of the
razor blade head relative to the handle, preferably without
interference. The razor blade head may further comprise a shaving
gel dispenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure shall now be
described with reference to the drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A shows a disposable razor;
[0016] FIG. 1B shows another view of the disposable razor;
[0017] FIG. 2A shows a bracket of a disposable razor;
[0018] FIG. 2B shows a view of the assembly of a disposable razor
head;
[0019] FIG. 2C shows another view of the assembly of a disposable
razor head;
[0020] FIG. 2D shows an alternative configuration of a bracket;
[0021] FIG. 2E shows an alternative configuration of a bracket and
pad.
[0022] FIG. 3A shows a view of a disposable razor in operation;
[0023] FIG. 3B shows another view of a disposable razor in
operation;
[0024] FIG. 3C shows yet another view of a disposable razor in
operation;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a disposable razor having an inflatable
pad;
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a disposable razor having an inflatable
pad;
[0027] Throughout the description and the drawings, like reference
numerals refer to like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a disposable razor 10. The disposable
razor 10 has a handle 12, a neck 14, a blade portion 16, a frame
18, a bracket 20 and a manual control element or pad 22. The
assembly of the blade portion 16, the frame 18, the bracket 20 and
the pad 22 forms the head 24 of the disposable razor 10. The blade
portion 16 and the frame 18 may be collectively referred to as a
razor blade element 26.
[0029] The pad 22 is mounted behind the blade portion 16 and the
frame 18 via the bracket 20. The pad 22 allows the user to place
his or her fingers on the back of the head 24 when using the razor
10. The pad 22 is resilient such that it is comfortable for the
user. Alternatively, the pad 22 may be a rigid element. The pad 22
is mounted on the back of the frame 18 by the bracket 20. The
bracket 20 provides an opening that allows cut hair to wash through
the back of the blade portion 16. The pad 22 is manufactured from a
thermoplastic material, for example, injection moulded rubber.
Other suitable materials may be used.
[0030] The blade portion 16 has a number of razor blades. Three
blades are shown, but any suitable number of blades may be used.
The blades of blade portion 16 are supported by the frame 18. The
blades are stationary relative to the frame 18. The blades are
parallel to each other. A precision blade may also be mounted on a
top surface of the frame 18, bracket 20 or pad 22.
[0031] The neck 14 joins the handle 12 to the head 24. The neck 14
is connected to the handle 12 at a first end of the handle 12. The
neck 14 attaches to the head 24 at the frame 18. The neck 14 is
attached to the frame 18 by a clipping mechanism. The clipping
mechanism may be a click-fit mechanism. The neck 14 has clipping
arms that are received by slots in the frame 18. This allows the
head 24 of the razor 10 to be attached and detached as necessary.
Alternatively, the neck 14 may be attached to another part of the
head 24, for example the bracket 20 or the pad 22. Other suitable
attachment means may also be used. The neck 14 is pivoted to allow
rotation of the head 24 relative to the handle 12.
[0032] The handle 12 is wider and shorter than most existing
designs. The handle 12 is ergonomically designed to sit in the palm
of a user's hand (this is shown, for example, in FIG. 3B). In
profile, one side of the handle 12 has a concave surface while the
other has a convex surface. In preferred embodiments the structure
of handle 12 is asymmetrically curved along an axis that runs from
the first end of the handle 12 to the second end; this can follow
the palm of a user's hand. This is achieved by making the curvature
of the handle more pronounced towards the first end of the handle
12 than the second end. The handle 12 is manufactured from plastic
or rubber. Other suitable materials, such as ceramics, metal or
wood, may also be used. The handle 12 has a first end that is wider
than the main body of the handle 12. This allows the first end of
the handle 12 to sit comfortably between the thumb and fourth
(ring) finger of the user. This provides grip and leaves the second
(index) and third (middle) fingers of the user free to exert
pressure on the head 24. This provides enhanced control to the
razor blade head via the application of gentle pressure on the
manual control element. Furthermore, the curved profile of the
handle allows the user to hold the razor comfortably with fingers
positioned on the pad to flexibly control the movement of the head
and exert enough pressure on the pad to ensure a close and accurate
shave. This combination of the handle 12 with the razor blade head
24 allows the precise application of pressure in the requisite
direction, from the pad 22 and bracket 20 through to the back of
the razor blade element 26, thereby improving control of the razor
blade head. In one example, the pad 22 has cut outs which enable
the rotation of the razor blade head to rotate relative to the
handle 12.
[0033] The handle 12 also contains a hollow cavity at its interior,
which allows a fluid (i.e. a liquid or a gas) that is less dense
than water to be inserted. The cavity may also be filled with a
solid that is less dense than water. The cavity could be filled
with air or foam, for example. This allows the razor 10, when
assembled, to float in order that it can be easily accessed by a
user when placed in a pool of water, for example in a sink or
bath.
[0034] The handle 12 has a second end, opposite to the first end.
The handle 12 is shorter than current stick designs. This allows
the second end to sit in the palm of a user's hand when in
operation. The second end of the handle 12 is shaped to allow the
handle 12 to stand unsupported on the second end. This keeps the
head 24 of the razor 10 clear of any contaminated surfaces. This
allows the blade portion 16 to remain clean, thereby improving
personal hygiene. The second end of the handle 12 is dish-shaped in
order that it may stand upright on a rim. Alternatively, the second
end of the handle 12 may be flat in order to allow it to stand
upright. Alternatively, the second end of the handle 12 may have
one or more feet that allow the handle 12 to stand upright. The
feet may be suction pads that allow the handle 12 to be attached to
a surface. Other suitable configurations of the second end of the
handle 12 may also be used.
[0035] In one configuration, the second end of the handle 12 is
concave such that, when placed on its second end, the handle 12 is
supported upright by the rim of the concave second end.
Furthermore, the concave end of the handle 12 provides a drainage
channel into the handle of the razor such that, when the handle 12
stands upright, water does not collect around the base of the
razor, as can be seen in FIG. 1A.
[0036] When the second end of the handle 12 is concave, it may be
grooved to allow the placement of a user's fifth (little) finger.
In this case, there is also a well, or depression, 28 on the convex
side of the handle 12, towards the first end of the handle 12, for
placement of the user's thumb. This can be seen in FIG. 1B. This
improves the comfort of the shave when the user is shaving against
the direction of hair growth on their face, or when the user is
shaving another part of their body.
[0037] A more detailed depiction of one configuration of the head
24 of the disposable razor 10 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2A shows an
isometric view of the bracket 20, with an elongate portion 30 and
support columns 32. The bracket 20 is of a generally E-shaped cross
section, although other suitable cross sections could be used. The
support columns 32 extend from the elongate portion 30. Support
columns 32 extend perpendicular to the axis of elongate portion 30.
In this instance, there are three support columns 32, although any
suitable number of support columns 32 may be used. The elongate
portion 30 and support columns 32 are of square cross section,
although any suitable cross section may be used. Alternatively, the
bracket 20 may be of a generally M-shaped cross section, where the
elongate portion 30 is V-shaped, with three support columns 32
extending from it. This is shown in FIG. 2D.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2B, a first face of the E-shaped bracket 20
is affixed to the frame 18. The opposite, second face of the
E-shaped bracket 20 is affixed to the pad 22. The bracket 20 is
affixed to the frame 20 and/or the pad 22 by an adhesive. Other
attachment means between the bracket 20 and the frame 18 and/or the
pad 22, such as a clipping mechanism, are envisaged. The spaces
between the support columns 32 define an opening between the blade
portion 16 and frame 18 and the pad 22. FIG. 2C shows an isometric
view of the assembly of the head 24. The head 24 is moulded as an
integral piece. Alternatively, the frame 18, the bracket 20 and/or
the pad 22 may be manufactured separately. The head 24 would then
be assembled from its component parts, for example, by adhesion or
a clipping mechanism such as a click-fit mechanism. Alternatively,
the complete head 24 may be manufactured as a single integrated
component.
[0039] FIG. 2E shows another configuration, where the bracket 20
and the pad 22 are formed as an integral piece. In this way, rather
than an E-shaped bracket as previously described, the pad 22 clips
to corresponding attachment means on the frame 18 of the razor
blade element 26. This is by way of exposure clips and
corresponding bars on the frame 18 and/or pad 22. These clipping
means are another example of the bracket 20. This provides for a
more simple assembly of the parts that make up the razor blade head
24. As can be seen from FIGS. 2D and 2E, the opening between the
blade portion 16 and the pad 22 is maintained such that cut hair
may wash through the back of the blade portion 16.
[0040] In operation, the opening defined by the spaces between the
razor blade element 26 and the pad 22 allows water or air to wash
through the blades of blade portion 16 and clean away cut hair. The
pad 22 has grooves 34 designed to receive the user's fingers when
in operation. In one configuration, the pad has two grooves 34 to
receive the second (index) and third (middle) fingers of the user.
This improves comfort. This configuration allows the user to apply
pressure to the frame 18 via the pad 22 and the bracket 20. The
force is transferred from the pad 22 to the razor blade element 26
via the bracket 20. The direction of the force is shown, for
example, by the arrows in FIG. 2C.
[0041] Handling of the razor 10 is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The
configuration of the razor 10 allows the handle 12 to sit in the
palm of the user's hand. In operation, the user places his or her
fingers on the pad 22 mounted on the back of the frame 18. The user
applies pressure to the pad 22, which is transferred through the
bracket 20 to the frame 18 and the blade portion 16. As the fingers
of the user are on the back of the head 24 when in operation, the
user may apply more pressure to the head 24 and blade portion 16.
This improves the closeness of the shave. In addition, the fingers
in this position allow the user to have more control over the head
24 when shaving, improving accuracy. The pad 22 also protects the
fingers of the user from the blade portion 16.
[0042] During or after shaving, the user may run water through the
opening provided by the bracket 20 between the razor blade element
26 and the pad 22. The water runs onto the back of the blade
portion 16. This clears any cut hair that is stuck between the
blades, preventing the gaps between the blades becoming blocked.
Alternatively, the user may apply water to the front face of the
blade portion 16 which washes through the blades and out of the
opening provided by the bracket 20.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a further application of the pad 22. In this
case, the pad 22 is an inflatable pad 36. The inflatable pad 36 may
be self-inflating. The inflatable pad 36 has a number of holes 38
that allow air to escape from within the inflatable pad 36 when
pressure is applied. Four holes are shown in FIG. 4, although any
suitable number of holes may be used. The holes 38 allow the user
to pump air from the inflatable pad 36 through the back of the
blade portion 16. This clears hair that may have built up between
the blades. Alternatively, the inflatable pad 36 may be filled with
water, which can also be pumped through the holes 38 to clean the
blades, as shown in FIG. 5. This can be done during the shaving
process or between shaving processes, in order to clean the
blades.
[0044] In a further example, the disposable razor 10 can be adapted
to include a module for dispensing shaving gel. The shaving gel is
stored in an internal reservoir in the handle 12. This internal
reservoir is connected to the head 24 via a capillary. The gel is
then dispensed from the blade portion 16 or the frame 18 via one or
more nozzles. Alternatively, the shaving gel may be stored in the
inflatable pad 36 and dispensed through nozzles or between the
blades of the blade portion 16 via the holes 38.
[0045] In a further example, the disposable razor 10 has blades
made of sapphire. Sapphire blades provide a sharper and more
durable blade than commonly used materials.
[0046] In a further example, the disposable razor 10 has a laser
cutting element in place of or in addition to the razor blades.
Laser cutting elements provide a more accurate cutting action than
mechanical blades.
* * * * *